Not hearing back after a job interview can be frustrating and disheartening. As a job seeker, it’s natural to want feedback on your interview performance and to know where you stand in the hiring process. However, there are many reasons why an employer may not respond after an interview.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions around not hearing back after an interview:
Is it rude for an employer not to contact you after an interview?
While it may feel rude not to hear back, it’s generally not considered rude from an employer’s perspective. Employers often juggle multiple priorities and candidates at once.
How long should you wait to hear back after an interview before following up?
It’s reasonable to wait 1-2 weeks after an interview before following up. This gives the employer sufficient time to make decisions.
What’s the best way to follow up after an interview?
Send a brief email thanking the interviewer for their time. Reiterate your interest in the role and provide any requested follow-up items.
If you don’t hear back after following up, is it time to move on?
Generally, yes – if you follow up and still don’t hear back after a reasonable time frame, it’s usually best to move on in your job search.
Why You Might Not Hear Back After an Interview
There are many reasons why an employer may not get back to you after an interview, including:
They are still interviewing candidates
Often, companies interview multiple applicants before deciding on the best hire. The interview process can take weeks or even months in some cases. The employer may be wrapping up all interviews before making a decision.
They have focused on another candidate
The employer may have decided to pursue another candidate more actively after the interview round. However, they often keep other applicants “warm” in case that candidate falls through.
There are delays in the hiring process
Sometimes hiring delays happen for reasons outside the employer’s control. For example, budget approvals, internal restructures, or other business initiatives can put hiring on the backburner temporarily.
Your interview performance needs improvement
In some cases, the employer may not feel you are the right fit for the role based on your interview performance. Rather than provide direct rejection feedback, some prefer to quietly move on.
Human error
With a hectic workload, recruiters may genuinely overlook sending interview follow-ups. Don’t assume lack of response is directly personal.
They don’t require additional candidates at this time
If the employer already has some strong applicants in the pipeline, they may decide they don’t need additional candidates right now. However, they may file your information for future roles.
Following Up After an Interview
Here are some tips on following up if you haven’t heard back after an interview:
- Wait 1-2 weeks before following up to allow a reasonable response time.
- Send a brief email thanking the interviewer for their time and reiterate your interest.
- Provide any additional requested information, like references or writing samples.
- Avoid calling to follow up, as this can seem overly pushy.
Here is an example follow-up email:
Dear [Interviewer’s Name],
I wanted to thank you again for taking the time to interview me last week for the [Role] position. It was a pleasure learning more about the role and discussing how my background would be a great fit.
I’m very interested in the opportunity and the work your team is doing at [Company]. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide to help in the hiring decision process.
Thank you again for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
When to Move On After No Response
As a rule of thumb, if you don’t hear back after your follow-up, consider the opportunity closed after 1-2 weeks and move on in your job search. Continuing to contact the employer is unlikely to change the outcome. Instead, focus your energy on new potential opportunities.
Signs it’s time to move on:
- It’s been over 2 weeks since your interview follow-up
- The role has been reposted online
- You’ve received rejections from other recent applications
While no response can be frustrating, try not to take it personally. Hiring decisions are often out of your control. With persistence in your search, you’ll eventually find the right fit.
Maintaining professionalism
While it’s annoying not to receive interview feedback, avoid burning bridges with unprofessional behavior. Prioritize leaving a positive impression for potential future opportunities.
Do:
- Send a brief, polite follow-up email
- Continue your job search process
- Maintain a positive attitude
Don’t:
- Make accusations or express anger
- Call repeatedly to demand feedback
- Disparage the company on social media
Learning from the experience
Look for ways to learn from the situation if you don’t hear back after an interview. Some questions to ask yourself:
- What went well in the interview, and what could be improved?
- Do I need to better prepare for certain types of interview questions?
- Is my resume and online profile presenting me as a strong candidate?
- Would more networking introduce me to additional opportunities?
An unresponsive employer can serve as motivation to become an even better candidate for your next interview.
Conclusion
It’s always better to hear directly back from an employer after an interview. However, lack of response doesn’t necessarily reflect poorly on you as a candidate. The employer may be busy, focused on other candidates, or facing internal delays. If you follow up and still don’t hear back, try not to take it personally. Stay positive in your search, learn from the experience, and keep an eye out for new potential opportunities.